• Can I take the programme on a part-time basis?
  The programme is designed to be taken on a full-time basis, however, application to enroll on a part-time basis will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Can I join the programme in January?
  No, there is only one admission each year. It begins in August.

• How is the curriculum structure like?
  The curriculum structure for the Master of Science in Finance (by Research) consists of research foundation courses, faculty-directed research seminars, independent studies supervised by a faculty and a master's thesis. Candidates are required to complete
  
  
  • 4 research foundation courses and thesis preparation in term 1,
  • 4 faculty-directed research seminars (with option to replace up to 2 with independent research studies supervised by a faculty) and thesis work in term 2, and
  • thesis completion by the end of year 2.
    
  For more details, please refer to Programme Structure and Curriculum .

• Are there other disciplines other than Finance?
  The research programme currently provides four disciplines: Economics, Finance, Management and Operations Management. The coursework programme is available in Applied Economics. Other specialisation may be introduced at a later stage.

• What is the duration of the programme?
  The minimum period of candidature is 1.5 years and the maximum period of candidature are 2 years for full-time students and 4 years for part-time students.

• Can I transfer to another discipline after the programme has started?
  Candidates must select a discipline prior to admission. Application for change in discipline after the programme has started is subject to consideration on a case-by-case basis.

• For Master of Science in Economics/Finance/Management/Operations Management (by Research), am I expected to have determined my research topic at the point of admission?
  The Master of Science in Economics/Finance/Management/Operations Management (by Research) is designed to have a predominant research component. Because of the tight academic schedule and work on thesis preparation that begins in Term 1, it will be extremely useful for students to have a good idea of their specific research topic at the point of admission.

• What is the difference between the Master of Science (by Research) and Master of Science (by Coursework)?
  The Master of Science (by Research) has a significant research component. Candidates are required to complete a thesis and thesis preparation will begin from the start of the programme. A thesis is not required for the Master of Science (by Coursework). Instead, an advanced paper, which can be a term paper of one of the courses taken, is required to be submitted. For more information on the programme structure, see Programme Structure and Curriculum.
  
  Four disciplines are currently available for the Master of Science (by Research), namely Economics, Finance, Management and Operations Management. The Master of Science (by Coursework) is currently available only in the area of Applied Economics.

• I have another Master's degree, will I be granted exemptions for the courses?
  Exemptions and waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Can the programme be taken by distance learning?
  The programme is not offered by distance learning. While the programme can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, the courses are conducted at SMU campus and candidates are expected to attend all the courses physically.

• Can I select the discipline after the programme has started?
  All candidates are required to select their discipline prior to admission.